oleh admin | Jul 10, 2024 | beaches, islands, tourist attractions, vietnam, world
Located in southern Vietnam, Phu Quoc Island resembles a small slice of heaven. Often referred to as the “Jade Island” due to the lush forests enveloping its pristine white sand shores, this destination serves as an ideal retreat.
Over the past few years, Vietnam has successfully kept pace with fellow Southeast Asian nations like Thailand and Indonesia in terms of tourism appeal. Its advantageous location provides easy access as it shares boundaries with China to the north and Laos and Cambodia to the west. This geographical placement attracts visitors globally. Beyond its rich historical legacy spanning millennia, stunning temples, and picturesque terraced rice paddies, Vietnam offers idyllic island getaways for exploration. Of particular note is Phu Quoc Island, which stands out as our top pick amongst them.
Want to discover
Vietnam? Here are
a few pieces of content to assist you in organizing your travel plans
:
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Explore the top stunning snorkeling locations in Vietnam
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6 Must-try Vietnamese dishes for your upcoming journey
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If you’re planning your first trip to Vietnam, which city should you see first: Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City?
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Vietnam: Essential places to visit in this South-East Asian nation
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Which are the most stunning islands in Vietnam?
An island
with an air of
paradise
Boasting an area of 567 square kilometers, Phu Quoc stands as Vietnam’s biggest island. Situated in the Gulf of Thailand, approximately 400 km southwest of mainland Vietnam, it claims the title for the world’s longest cable car system. Its unspoiled white sand shores, crystal-clear waters, and dense tropical forests create a paradise-like atmosphere akin to a deserted island. This idyllic setting offers ideal conditions for relaxation, swimming, hiking, and exploration.
snorkelling
.
In the northwest part of the island lies one of the nation’s loveliest national parks, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This park houses approximately 1,000 plant species and around 200 animal varieties. It serves as an ideal destination for hiking enthusiasts. For those seeking adventure, climbing to the summit of Mount Nui Chua, known as the highest point in Phu Quoc, offers breathtaking views. From up there, visitors can admire panoramic vistas of rolling hills covered with forests, rugged mountain chains, and distant seas glistening under the sun.
The most stunning shores on Phu Quoc Island
Although every beach on Phu Quoc boasts remarkable charm, certain ones distinguish themselves from the others. Below are only a handful of these exceptional locations.
Cua Can beach
To the north of Phu Quoc, about 11 kilometers from Duong Dong, lies a pristine and wild beach. Its uniqueness stems from its location where the Cua Can River meets the sea; visitors can traverse the river using unstable wooden bridges here.
Ong Lang beach
This beach likely ranks among the top spots for admiring the island’s gorgeous sunset. Its vibrant coral reefs in multiple colors draw scuba divers to Ong Lang as well. It’s a enchanting location and an essential visit.
Rach Vem beach
Situated in a quaint fishing hamlet up north, Rach Vem Beach offers a tranquil escape composed purely of pristine white sands, crystal-clear waters, and an abundance of starfish scattered along the shoreline. This secluded locale is perfect for those seeking peaceful moments as they dip their toes into the gentle waves.
Sao Beach (also known as Bai Sao)
To the southern part of the island lies Sao Beach, which offers another wonderful opportunity for exploration. Spanning 7 kilometers with pristine white sands, this picturesque coastline is bordered by swaying coconut trees. As evening falls, countless starfish make their way onto the shore—an incredible spectacle to witness.
Additional activities available on the island include
oleh admin | Jun 19, 2024 | architecture, skyscrapers, tourist attractions, travel destinations, world
Towering skyscrapers stretch endlessly into the horizon, juxtaposed against stunning natural landscapes contrasting with gleaming steel or glass structures; lights shimmering off the calm waters of a nearby bay—these elements make up some of Earth’s most breathtaking cityscapes. Below are eight remarkable examples among them.
Chicago, United States
The birthplace of the first skyscraper in 1885, the
Windy City
boasts one of the most cohesive skylines across the American continent. Today, its most iconic high-rise building is Willis Tower, which stands overlooking Lake Michigan’s waters from a height of 442 meters.
Hong Kong, China
Punctuated by tall, slender skyscrapers alongside grandiose mountains and a charming bay, the cityscape is adorned with these striking features.
Hong Kong
The skyline is genuinely breathtaking. It becomes even more enchanting after dark, as the marina and its towers seem to be illuminated with lights.
from the summit of Victoria Peak
.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Similar to an illusion in the midst of the sands,
Dubai
Over recent decades, it has witnessed the rise of one of the most spectacular skylines globally. Encircled by roughly a hundred other tall buildings, the Burj Khalifa stands as the world’s tallest structure at an astounding height of 828 meters. Quite breathtaking!
Singapore
An incredible playfield for architects globally,
Singapore’s cityscape
features an extensive collection of contemporary structures – none exceeding 280 meters in height – along with a cutting-edge aquatic garden.
remarkable hanging gardens
(Gardens by the Bay) and
buildings featuring extraordinary architectural designs
.
San Francisco, United States
Recognisable from its
Golden Gate Bridge
spanning
San Francisco
Surrounded by numerous alleys and characterized by narrow, vibrant lanes, this birthplace of the Flower Power movement provides one of the most distinctive vistas in North America… weather permitting, as the fog often refuses to clear!
Tokyo, Japan
Against the background of Mount Fuji, with the iconic Tokyo Tower standing tall and numerous skyscrapers – such as the towering Tokyo Skytree, which at 634 m is the tallest structure in Japan – showcased,
the Japanese capital
The city’s skyline isn’t particularly tall but excels in remarkable density and balance.
Frankfurt, Germany
Frankfurt offers a charming mix of historical buildings, featuring numerous iconic landmarks like St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral and St. Paul’s Church, alongside a contemporary downtown area boasting several of the tallest skyscrapers in Europe; these can all be explored along the shores of the Main River.
New York, United States
Its Statue of Liberty,
instantly recognisable skyscrapers
(The Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, Freedom Tower), iconic bridges… Whether viewed from above or below, along the shores of New Jersey or atop the roofs of Brooklyn, these landmarks stand out.
New York
The skyline is unquestionably the most legendary.
oleh admin | Mei 29, 2024 | economic policy, economics, money, wealth, world
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Many of the richest nations globally boast tiny population sizes, enabling their significant economic outputs to convert into elevated individual prosperity levels.
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Luxembourg tops the list with a GDP per capita of $143,743, owing to its strong financial sector and advantageous banking regulations.
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Nations like Qatar, the UAE, and Switzerland utilize specialized economies focused on natural resources, finance, or luxury items to attain a high gross domestic product per capita.
Elijah Ntongai, who works as a journalist for LIFEHACK.co.ke, boasts over three years of experience in researching finance, business, and technology. He offers valuable perspectives on both Kenyan and international developments.
The Global Finance magazine has published a report that ranks every country worldwide according to their GDP per capita.
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita (a Latin term meaning ‘per individual’) serves as an economic indicator that calculates a nation’s total GDP divided by its number of inhabitants. It reflects the mean economic production attributed to each citizen.
The most recent report from Global Finance indicates that many of the globe’s richest nations are surprisingly small, leveraging advanced financial systems, valuable natural assets, and advantageous taxation policies.
One key factor shared by many of the wealthiest countries is their limited population sizes, enabling their significant economic production to convert into elevated individual prosperity.
Many of these nations boast specialized economies, developed financial sectors, or substantial natural resources, enabling them to become major economic forces regardless of their dimensions.
The Top 10 Richest Countries in 2024
1. Luxembourg
Luxembourg, a European microstate with a population of around 670,000, tops the list with an average GDP per Capita of $143,743 (about KSh 19,066,977).
Renowned for its robust financial sector and high standard of living, Luxembourg leverages its strategic location and banking secrecy laws to attract global wealth.
2. Macao SAR
Macao has rebounded strongly post-pandemic, recording a GDP per Capita of $134,141 (about KSh 17,793,342) in 2024.
Macao SAR has a small population of around 700,000 and a booming g*mbling and c*sino industry.
3. Ireland
Ireland has become a magnet for international businesses due to its attractive low corporate tax rates, with a GDP per capita of $133,895 (approximately KSh 17,751,587).
Global Finance pointed out, however, that this ranking primarily indicates the profitability of major companies rather than the typical citizen’s income.
4. Singapore
The transformation of Singapore from a developing country into a leading global financial hub is impressive, boasting a GDP per capita of $133,737 (approximately KSh 17,735,397).
This micro-nation keeps drawing wealthy people thanks to its beneficial taxation rules and pro-business atmosphere.
5. Qatar
Qatar’s extensive deposits of oil and natural gas play a crucial role in its prosperity, with a GDP per capita of $112,283 (approximately KSh 14,883,507).
Even with a limited number of people, the country sustains an elevated quality of life and strong economic stamina.
6. United Arab Emirates
The UAE, notably Dubai and Abu Dhabi, uses its petroleum riches to expand into sectors like tourism, finance, and commerce.
The country boasts a diverse populace and an economy that is quickly changing, with a gross domestic product per person of $96,846 (approximately KSh 12,853,215).
7. Switzerland
The prosperity of Switzerland stems from its robust banking industry, advanced technology sectors, and the global trade of premium products.
The nation has a significant average wealth per adult, featuring a GDP per capita of $91,932 (approximately KSh 12,197,590), along with a robust economy even amid recent disruptions in the financial sector.
8. San Marino
This tiny European country with a population of 34,000 enjoys advantages like minimal taxation and a robust tourist sector.
San Marino’s economy has demonstrated remarkable stability and expansion during difficult periods, with a GDP per capita of $86,989 (approximately KSh 11,539,617).
9. United States
The United States continues to be a dominant force in the global economy, boasting a sizable and varied economic landscape, with a GDP per capita of $85,373 (approximately KSh 11,313,977).
Recently implemented strategies have enhanced its economic performance, keeping it within the top 10 rankings.
10. Norway
Norway’s prosperity mainly stems from its significant contributions from the oil and gas industry, which result in a GDP per capita of $82,832 (approximately KSh 10,982,240).
Additionally, the nation boasts a significant sovereign wealth fund, which acts as a financial safeguard and aids in sustaining a high quality of life for its residents.
Challenges and inequalities
The Global Finance Magazine pointed out that even with their riches, these countries still face economic difficulties and disparities.
For instance, in nations like the U.S. and Switzerland, the gap between the rich and poor remains a critical issue.
Richest countries in Africa
In other related news,
LIFEHACK.co.ke
listed the top 20 wealthiest nations in Africa.
Countries were evaluated using GDP-PPP (Purchasing Power Parity) per capita, which considers differences in cost of living and inflation, providing a more accurate picture of economic well-being
Nations with sophisticated financial sectors, lucrative natural resources, favourable tax regimes, and small populations typically achieve higher GDP per capita.
Proofreading by Otukho Jackson, a multimedia journalist and copy editor at LIFEHACK.co.ke
oleh admin | Mei 17, 2024 | caving, tourist attractions, Travel, travel destinations, world
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To explore some unconventional sites, consider visiting these seven subterranean tourist destinations worldwide, which include caverns, war-era tunnels, Cold War shelters, and an old coal mine.
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Included among these is the remarkable rescue of a young football team in Thailand, along with the Paris Catacombs and the biggest known cave system located centrally in Vietnam.
A few people consider them cramped, whereas some joyfully lose themselves in these spaces for hours. Some served as workplaces, while others stood as sites of mortality. Some were constructed as military deterrents, but others glow with lights to craft a magical realm of hues.
Below are seven subterranean sites—mines, caves, catacombs, concrete bunkers, and tunnels—that are definitely worth exploring, provided you’re feeling brave enough.
1. Tham Luang Nang Non, Thailand
In 2018, for 18 days, Tham Luang Nang Non, located in northern Thailand, gained worldwide recognition as the most famed cave system.
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Following a torrential rainstorm, 12 young members of the Wild Boars soccer club along with their coach found themselves ensnared far beneath the earth within a flooded cave system, unable to escape.
A global initiative encompassing divers, engineers, and volunteers
led to their rescue
from a rocky ledge 4km (2.5 miles) from the cave entrance.
Today, Tham Luang draws aficionados eager to discover the renowned location.
In Chamber 3, located 800 meters (0.5 miles) deep within, the space served as a control hub and storage facility for oxygen tanks, ropes, and communication cables. This region has been made accessible through guided group tours organized by forestry personnel along with local experts.
Each excursion lasts around three hours, and although they’re not risky, travelers must walk through some tight passages one at a time.
2. Paris Catacombs, France
Combining elements of the bizarre with the eerie, the Paris Catacombs form a chilling underground burial ground holding the ancient bones of approximately six million Parisians. (In this crowded spot within the heavily visited city of Paris, you’ll appreciate having plenty of fellow visitors nearby.)
Initially constructed atop an extensive system of ancient limestone mines, this intricate network of subterranean passageways came into existence during the latter part of the 1700s as a solution for storing human remains due to insufficient space in nearby burial grounds.
Today, they remain intact: skulls in one section, femurs and hip bones in another—scientists are still uncertain about their original pairings.
Referred to as a repository of human remains, this chilling bone chamber attracts many visitors. Guided tours covering a 1.6-kilometer stretch of the underground hall of dread typically take around one hour.
3. Albanian Cold War shelters
During the Cold War era, Albania braced itself for military assaults that never materialized. Terrified of invasions from both capitalist and communist powers alike, the suspicious autocrat Enver Hoxha turned the struggling Balkan nation into one of the most fortified and secluded states globally.
Defenses encompassed the nationwide erection of approximately 175,000 structures.
concrete and steel fortifications
Some were big enough to accommodate soldiers or even whole village communities. Naturally, none of these sturdy bunkers ever saw action.
The true intent was to maintain fear among the Albanian population regarding external threats, thereby ensuring they remained utterly reliant on the domineering leader for protection and security.
A significant number of the military pillboxes were left unused following the fall of communism in the early 1990s; several have subsequently been converted into storage spaces, coffee shops, exhibition centers, and lodging establishments.
4. Reed Flute Cave, located in China
Discovered by Chinese refugees escaping Japanese forces during World War II, the Reed Flute Cave, located in Guilin, Guang Xi, was named after the local vegetation that was utilized for crafting conventional musical tools.
It is said that the enchanting melody created by the wind passing through the reeds inspired early Chinese flute players to create their compositions.
Today, the limestone cave close to Guilin presents a stunning array of stalactites, stalagmites, and stone columns. Lit up artificially, these structures look like various objects, animals, and mythological beings, turning the space into an underground sculpture museum.
The cave features ink writings such as poems and travel accounts, along with additional signs of human occupation that date over a millennium ago.
5. The Malinta Tunnel, located in the Philippines
Situated on Corregidor Island within Manila Bay, the Malinta Tunnel complex consists of a 3,000-meter web of linked passages built by the US Army from 1922 to 1932.
The fortified bunker and storage complex included living quarters for personnel, office spaces, a power plant, and an air circulation system. It was later expanded to include a 1,000-bed medical center.
In 1942, during the Battle of Corregidor, the tunnel functioned as the command center for U.S. General Douglas MacArthur and also acted as the seat of governance for the Philippine Commonwealth government.
During peak operation times, over 4,000 individuals resided within the expansive military fortress.
In recent times, trams and walking tours have become favorites among tourists, whereas a sound and light show narrates the bravery, struggles, and atrocities experienced during wartime.
In a location deeply connected with mortality (where thousands of Japanese soldiers chose to take their own lives within the tunnels), it comes as no shock that certain visitors report hearing terrifying shrieks and catching glimpses of faint, spectral forms.
6. The National Coal Mining Museum of England, United Kingdom
The National Coal Mining Museum for England highlights the legacy of the coal industry in Britain from the time of the Industrial Revolution in the 1700s.
Close to Overton in West Yorkshire, at one of the nation’s most historic coal mines, anxious guests cram into an old elevator that takes them down 140 meters (460 feet) beneath the earth.
Ex-miners serve as guides, blending their amusing personal stories with stark tales of past workplace hardships.
They outline the dangers miners encountered, the lack of safety regulations, and the prevalent use of child labor — whole families frequently labored together at the coal face.
Your guide will likewise talk about the displays, such as mining equipment from earlier times.
Up at the shaft top, the lines of lockers, showers, and metal bathtubs appear much more pristine compared to their condition during peak mining operations. Keep in mind to wear warm clothing as it can get quite cold below ground level.
7. Hang Son Doong, located in Vietnam,
Hang Son Doong
In Vietnam, this cave has been acknowledged as the largest in the world; however, when local farmer Ho Khanh first discovered its entrance in 1991, he was unaware of its importance.
Initially, the roar of flowing water and powerful blasts of wind discouraged him from exploring further. He found it challenging to recall the cave’s whereabouts during later trips.
In 2008, he finally located its position again and reached out to a group of British cavers who measured the passage and verified that it extended for at least 5 kilometers (3.1 miles).
In addition to underground rivers and lakes, a vibrant jungle habitat, 400-million-year-old fossils, and breathtaking geological structures, the cave also houses plant and animal species that cannot be found anywhere else on our planet.
By 2018, a new team of British cavers determined that Hang Son Doong is at minimum one-third bigger and considerably deeper than earlier estimates suggested.
And the trio who made this assertion? Jason Mallinson, Rick Stanton and Chris Jewell, who were key members of the team that had rescued the trapped Thai soccer players from Tham Luang Cave a year earlier.
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The article initially appeared on the South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com), which is the premier source for news coverage of China and Asia.
Copyright © 2024. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.
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